Personal loans can help you get quick cash in your checking account for car repairs, medical procedures, veterinary costs, and much more. There are numerous lending options to choose from, such as United Finance and CreditNinja. But which online loan is right for you?
Learn more about loans similar to United Finance and what steps you can take to find the right personal loan for your unique financial situation.
Finding the Right Personal Loan
Personal loans are useful installment loans that can be used for almost any unexpected expense that pops up. But what do the best personal loan lenders have in common? And what steps can you take to find the right personal loan offer for your financial situation?
Do I Qualify for a Personal Loan?
Online lenders that offer personal loans typically have a list of qualifying requirements that interested borrowers must meet. If you have a good or excellent FICO Score, which starts at 670, you may have no issues getting approved for an online personal loan. FICO reports that the average score in 2023 was 717.1 But if you have poor credit, your lending options may be limited.
The good news is that there are still plenty of lenders that offer bad credit loans. These online loans typically have flexible credit requirements to help subprime borrowers with bad credit scores get access to quick emergency cash. However, some online lenders charge high APRs on bad credit personal loans, so it’s critical to make comparisons before applying for funding.
Personal Loan Terms To Consider
If you are looking for a personal loan, it’s essential to consider the type of loan terms you want. If your loan terms don’t work with your current budget or financial plan, then you may end up facing future financial hardship.
Think about the following personal loan terms and what type of repayment plan you want:
| Term | Description |
| Interest Rate | The percentage of the loan amount charged by the lender for borrowing the money. |
| APR (Annual Percentage Rate) | The total annual cost of the loan, including interest and fees, expressed as a percentage. |
| Loan Amount | The total amount of money you are borrowing. |
| Loan Term | The length of time you have to repay the loan, usually expressed in months or years. |
| Monthly Payment | The amount you will need to pay each month to repay the loan. |
| Fees | Additional charges associated with the loan, such as origination fees, late payment fees, etc. |
| Prepayment Penalty | A fee charged if you repay the loan before the end of the term. |
| Collateral | An asset that you pledge as security for the loan (applicable for secured loans). |
| Credit Score Requirements | The minimum credit score needed to qualify for the loan. |
| Repayment Flexibility | Options for adjusting your payment schedule or temporarily pausing payments. |
| Lender Reputation | The lender’s credibility, customer service, and reviews. |
| Approval Time | The time it takes for the lender to approve and disburse the loan. |
Understanding Personal Loan Interest Rates
The best personal loans have low interest rates, so you aren’t spending a fortune to borrow money. But what is a reasonable interest rate? The best rate for you depends on your credit history. If you have bad credit, know that you may have to spend time comparing lenders to find the best loan offer. Unfortunately, low rates are only given to borrowers with higher credit scores that demonstrate financial stability.
Debt Consolidation with Personal Loans
Debt consolidation is the process of rolling multiple debts into one singular monthly payment. Many people use personal loans to consolidate their credit card debt, which typically has high APRs. Debt consolidation may help borrowers save a lot of money on interest fees and other costs. According to a survey by U.S. News, 69% of respondents said their finances improved after consolidating their debt.2 Just ensure that your new loan terms are better than your existing ones.
Loans Like United Finance: What You Need To Know
United Finance is a consumer finance company that provides direct and indirect personal loans, auto loans, home improvement loans, and financing services. Consumers can start the approval process online, but if approved, they must visit a local branch to meet a loan specialist to complete the application in person.
United Finance has 25 loan offices in the following states and cities:
| State | Cities |
| Oregon | Beaverton, Bend, Eugene, Gladstone, Grants Pass, Gresham, Hillsboro, Klamath Falls, La Grande, McMinnville, Medford, Pendleton, Portland Burnside, Roseburg, Salem, Seaside, Woodburn |
| Washington | Auburn, Kennewick, Longview, Tacoma, Vancouver |
| Nevada | Carson City, Reno, Sparks |
| Idaho | Nampa |
Who Qualifies for Funding?
To qualify for an installment loan with United Finance, all applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Live in one of the following states: Oregon, Washington, Nevada, or Idaho.
- Live within the geographic service area of one of our 25 branch locations.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have a reliable source of income.
If you do not reside near a branch location, then you will be unable to qualify with United Finance and must seek an alternative financing solution. While you are able to apply online, you must meet a loan specialist in person to complete the application process.
If you do reside in one of the states that United Finance operates in, you may need to provide the following items to a loan specialist:
- Identification: A government-issued ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport, or state ID card).
- Proof of Income: Recent pay stubs, bank statements, tax returns, or employment verification letters.
- Employment Information: Details about your current employment, including place of employment, job title, length of employment, and salary.
- Credit History: You will need to provide authorization for the credit inquiry.
- Financial Information: Prepare information about your financial situation. Details about your existing debts, monthly expenses, and additional income.
How Much Can I Borrow?
United Finance offers installment loans to help borrowers pay off large purchases through monthly payments. Loans range between $1,000 to $15,000. But remember the loan amount you are able to get depends on your credit history, income, and expenses.
If you apply for an auto loan, the market value of your vehicle will determine the loan amount you are able to borrow. If you don’t know the current value of your vehicle, you can get a free estimate using the Kelley Blue Book. But remember that you may not qualify to get the full estimated value of your car.
What Can I Expect if I Get One?
Borrowers that are approved for a personal loan can expect to receive a check at the conclusion of the loan signing. United Finance aims to provide same day personal loans, so you could get financial assistance very quickly.
Once it’s time to start making loan payments, you can conveniently pay through one of these four methods:
- Online – Make a one-time payment or set up recurring ACH payments through the United Finance online account center.
- In a Branch – Visit any United Finance branch to make a payment in person with cash, debit card, personal check, cashier’s check, or money order.
- By Phone – Call your local branch and make a payment over the phone with a debit card (fee applies).
- By Mail – Send a personal check, cashier’s check, or money order payable to United Finance to the address on your monthly statement.
CreditNinja: How Does It Compare?
CreditNinja is a personal loan lender that offers fast online loans for unexpected expenses. We understand that you may need money as soon as possible to get medical supplies, repair HVAC units, or avoid eviction. Eligible applicants could get their money on the same day!*
If you are looking for online lenders, learn more about what we offer below.
CreditNinja’s Installment Loans
CreditNinja offers unsecured personal loans for consumers that are facing financial hardship. While United Finance only offers funding in four states, CreditNinja operates in various states across the nation. This means more people could get the personal loan they need to get back on their feet.
And unlike United Finance, we don’t make customers finish the application process in person. You can apply, get approved, and receive your loan money entirely online without traveling to a branch location. We know you value convenience, that’s why we designed our application process with speed and ease in mind.
What Benefits Does CreditNinja Offer?
We offer exclusive benefits for our customers. These are just some of the benefits you could get with a CreditNinja personal loan:
- Fast Funding: Eligible applicants could get their money as soon as the same day!*
- Flexible Repayment Plans: Borrowers can choose between small or long repayment plans.
- No Prepayment Penalties: We do not charge any prepayment penalty fees, so you can repay your loan early to reduce your total loan fees.
- No Hidden Fees: We offer transparent terms, so we do not charge any hidden fees.
- Referral Bonus: Referrals could help borrowers get a cash bonus!
- Quality Service: We offer exceptional customer service online and over the phone.
How Will the Personal Loan Application Process Work?
Our application process is incredibly simple and easy! All you have to do is follow these three steps.
Step 1: Apply Online
Fill out the online application form with basic personal information. You will be asked to provide your contact details, desired loan amount, and more. We ask for minimal information, so most people finish applying in only a few minutes.
Step 2: Get Approval Decision
After applying online, you will get an approval decision. Most applicants get a same-day decision!* If you are approved, you will receive a personal loan offer with your personalized loan amount, rate, and terms.
Step 3: Get Your Money
If you like your loan offer, you can complete a secure bank verification process. This process is used to verify your checking account details so we can send your money. Afterward, you can digitally sign a personal loan agreement and get your money directly deposited the same day!*
FAQs About Loans Similar To United Finance
It’s good to know about any additional costs that might come with your loan. Personal loan lenders may charge origination fees, application fees, and late payment fees. Always read your loan agreement carefully to understand all the possible fees before you agree.
Yes, you can! Many online lenders offer unsecured personal loans, which means you don’t need to provide collateral like your home or car. These loans are primarily based on your credit score and income.
After approval, most online lenders work quickly to deposit funds directly into your credit union or bank account. Depending on the lender, you could see the money in your account as soon as the same day or within a few business days.
Missing a payment can affect your credit score and might incur late fees. If you think you might miss a payment, it’s best to contact your personal loan lender immediately to discuss your options. Many lenders offer flexibility with payment arrangements.
Fixed interest rates mean your monthly payments remain the same throughout the duration of your loan, making budgeting easier. Variable rates can fluctuate with market changes, potentially lowering your payments but also introducing uncertainty. Consider your financial stability and risk tolerance when choosing.
Some personal loan lenders may charge a fee if you pay off your loan early. This fee is meant to compensate for the interest they lose if you settle your loan before the term ends. Check your loan agreement for details on prepayment penalties to avoid any surprises.
Yes, credit unions often offer personal loans with competitive interest rates and favorable terms. As member-owned institutions, credit unions may provide lower fees and more personalized service than larger banks. Remember, each credit union has its own criteria for eligibility and loan amounts, so contact them directly for specific information.
The Bottom Line on Personal Loan Lenders
Personal loan lenders offer fast funding for all types of emergency expenses. While credit scores are important, it’s still possible to get fast cash with bad credit scores. Loans that are similar to United Finance offer in-person services for specific state residents. But loans like CreditNinja serve more states and offer an entirely online process for your convenience.
If you’re looking for personal loans for borrowers with bad credit scores, it’s critical to compare your options to find the best terms. And if you want to increase your financial literacy, check out the CreditNinja blog. We answer all types of financial questions, such as “Do I claim 1 or 0 on my W4?” and “If I get fired can I collect unemployment?”
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